BNPB: Air Patrol Detects Forest and Land Fires in Muara Enim

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that an air patrol successfully detected a one-hectare forest and land fire (karhutla) in Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, stated that smoke from the fire in the mineral land area of Mililian Village, Gelumbang Subdistrict, was spotted from the air around 1:39 PM WIB.

‘The incident was reported following air patrol findings of fire points in the area. Field verification estimates the affected land area at one hectare,’ he said.

Abdul confirmed no casualties or material damage to structures due to the rapid response of emergency teams, which quickly contained the fire’s spread.

The firefighting operation was coordinated by Muara Enim Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) personnel at Gelumbang Subdistrict Post, alongside the Manggala Agni Task Force and members of the Gelumbang 404-01 Military District Command.

During the tactical intervention, joint personnel used logistical support including two BPBD trail motorcycles, one portable pump, four hose reels, and one nozzle to reach the fire points.

Abdul noted that the inter-agency efforts on the ground successfully extinguished all flames over peatland and scrubland, bringing the situation under full control.

Additionally, the South Sumatra Forest and Land Fire Task Force has intensified community education to discourage open burning for land clearing.

The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation by authorities.